Saint Luke’s Portrait of the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus
Basic Info
According to legend, Saint Luke, the Evangelist that wrote the Gospel according to Luke and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, created a portrait of Mary holding Jesus. Some versions of the story say that Luke started the portrait but that angels finished it. Some artists have painted pictures of these “original” icons; others have painted Luke at an easel before Mary and Jesus who are sitting while he paints their portrait.
Historical Notes
The earliest known written reference to this story is in the 5th century. Several icons and statues have been attributed to Saint Luke, including examples in Italy, Greece, Russia, Spain, and Poland.
The basic motif of a young god-man sitting on his mother’s lap can be traced back at least to Isis and Horus in Egyptian iconography.
What to Look For
- Whether it is simply a Madonna & Child by Luke or a painting of Luke painting Mary and Jesus
- Time and place (buildings, clothing, etc.) in which the event is situated
- Steps taken to preserve or honor the image (metal overwrap on everything but the faces, jewels, etc.)
- Special treatment of Luke (if he is depicted), which makes him seem especially holy
- Whether the artist believed the legend or not (if discernable)
Questions to Focus a General Interpretation
Does the artwork present a credible authentication of the tradition of Madonna & Child images?
Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation
About which aspects of Christian history or tradition do you experience doubt or skepticism? Does the tradition of responding to doubt reflected in this artwork suggest new ways to think about your own doubt?
Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation
Do you think that the people of the artist’s time and place would have been convinced by this authentication of the Madonna & Child motif?
Historical accuracy or authenticity in Christianity is often challenged today. Does this artwork offer a response to Christianity’s contemporary critics?
